Hallmark Channel is going country.
On Monday, the network announced A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, a new movie that will premiere during the 2025’s Countdown to Christmas.
A Grand Ole Opry Christmas stars Hallmark fan-favorite actors Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha and will begin filming later in August, including at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha to star in ‘A Grand Ole Opry Christmas’
DeLoach plays Gentry Woods, the daughter of late country music icon Jett Woods, in A Grand Ole Opry Christmas. Thirty years ago, Gentry abandoned her dreams of a songwriting career and distanced herself from her dad’s legacy following his tragic car accident. Now, she reluctantly returns to the Opry to represent Jett at its centennial Christmas celebration. Once there, she’s transported back to 1995, along with Gentry’s lifelong friend Mac (Polaha), a country music talent manager.
Thanks to the Christmas magic, Gentry gets to spend some more precious moments with her dad and get the inspiration she needs to finish a song she started writing when she was a teenager. She also gets surprising answers to questions about her father that have followed her for decades.
In addition to DeLoach and Polaha, the movie will feature familiar faces from the Opry’s star-studded cast, to be announced at a later date.
Nikki DeLoach ‘never imagined’ she’d be part of the Grand Ole Opry story
Both Polaha and DeLoach are looking forward to being part of what is sure to be one of the most-anticipated Hallmark Christmas movies of 2025.
“Excited for this one,” Polaha wrote on his Instagram Story after the movie was announced.
On her Instagram, DeLoach noted that she “grew up with the Grand Ole Opry,” calling it “the biggest stage for country music [and] an institution in this country that I’ve revered since I was a child.”
“In my wildest and biggest dreams, I never imagined that I would one day be able to be a part of its story,” she wrote. “And to do it alongside one of my longest and best friends, Kris Polaha, the legend that is Brad Paisley and with our Hallmark Channel team, is an unimaginable dream come true. I am beyond honored, humbled and grateful.”
“As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday this year, this is the perfect time for us to partner with this beloved, iconic American institution and create Christmas magic together,” said Darren Abbott, chief brand officer, Hallmark. “Nikki and Kris are fan favorites and we know they will beautifully bring to life this emotional and heartfelt story that is sure to become an instant classic.”
“Our goal in this milestone year is to put the Opry, its artists and the rich songwriting traditions that have made country music a global sensation in front of more people than ever before,” said Colin Reed, executive chairman of Opry parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties. “Our partnership with Hallmark brings these elements to life this holiday season through a creative and uplifting take on a uniquely Nashville story.”
Brad Paisley ‘can’t wait’ for people to ‘hear what all we’ve done’
In addition to appearances from Opry stars, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas will also feature a new original song from country music star Brad Paisley. He’ll also appear in the movie.
“The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays,” said Paisley, who is married to Hallmark star and director Kimberly Williams-Paisley. “We turn it on and leave it on in our house like Christmas tree lights or decorations, it’s a major part of the atmosphere for us.”
“I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built,” he continued. “Can’t wait for you to hear what all we’ve done. Also, knowing the Opry is the setting for one of these movies is very inspiring.”
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